the inciting incident
       

Scene: Arc de Triomphe. Jude Law meets Gabriel
Garcia Marquez, calls him Gabo.

Marquez slaps the boy and calls him puta,
Bitch, and they are instantly transported

To a deserted island where they must listen
To evangelists until they repent and kiss

On the lips. A stand-off for months. Then the rainy season.
The droplets, open mouths. The two men kiss like dust.

Copyright © 2010 T. J. Beitelman All rights reserved
from Pilgrims: A Love Story
Black Lawrence Press
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission